Hi, all.
AnimalsTaiwan was called to assist in the relocation of a stray trapped in a man-made waterway in TsaiShan (near ShinJuang / toward Wugu). He has apparently been trapped there for six months, living on a small island in to the edge of the waterway.
The woman who called us has been throwing food down for him. She also called the fire brigade, who were reluctant to help. The waterway has vertical edges with no means of getting in and out - thank god it’s not a child who fell in there. The wall behind the island seems to be inaccessible.
I went to see the dog a few days ago, and he looks in good health; the danger is, the rainy season is kicking in, and the island is disappearing beneath fast-moving filthy water. With all the rain today, the water level rose about 30 cm and most of the island disappeared. If it rains any more, the dog will be swept away; with no place to rest, let alone climb out, I fear for the worst.
We need to get him out, and I can’t do it alone. I need at least a couple of game people who are prepared to spend a few hours trying to save a dog about to drown. It will probably be cold, wet, and frustrating work, but I promise we can get him out. If you can help me some time in the next couple of days (dry weather due for two days), at any time, please let me know.
I also need the following equipment - if you have any of it and I can borrow it, please let me know ASAP:
- a ladder (or two)
- some waders (the kind you’d use for fishing in a river)
- a dog-catching pole (truant, Jake destroyed the last one!)
- a net of any description but strong enough to hold a 20 kg dog
- rope (though I know where I can buy that)
The plan is to wade over to the island with a dog crate and try to herd the dog into the crate; or we simply throw the net over the dog and get him in the crate that way. Once in, I would need help hauling the crate and myself out of the waterway. If he runs, e can only swim for it, and he’d be easy to catch then.
If there’s anything else you can think of that would help, please let me know!
Thank you!
Sean